"You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."
Ephesians 6:21-22 - Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
Tonight we ended Ephesians talking about Paul's selflessness at the end of his letter. Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians while he was under house arrest in Rome. Quite remarkably, you never read where Paul said to his Roman guard, while he was in prison: "I need you to do me a favor. Next time you happen to be near one of the Emperor's assistants, urge him to get me out of this dump. I shouldn't be here in the first place. I've been here for one year, seven months, four days, five hours, and nine minutes, and that's long enough." Paul understood that God put him where he was at that time for His greater glory and purposes and, instead of feeling sorry for himself and only thinking of himself, he continued to minister to those around him.
Tychicus was sent to comfort Paul, but instead, Paul sent him out to comfort and encourage others. It's a great example of thinking of others before yourself. And this was our focus this evening.
We started with what Scripture says about selflessness.
- Philippians 2:4 - Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
- John 15:12-14 - “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.
- Philippians 2:3-8 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
- Colossians 3:12 - So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Next, we showed the kids what selflessness looked like, practically speaking. We checked out several
photos of selflessness first. We also talked about all of the testimonies given about Miss Billie Fogle at her Celebration of Life service last weekend. Person after person got up and spoke of how, every time they thought they were going over to minister to or help Billie, they left feeling as though they were the ones who had been ministered to. Then we watched a
GodTube video of a little boy being selfless at a baseball game. To contrast that, we showed the kids an
example of selfishness that was the complete opposite of the little boy at the baseball game. Last, but definitely not least, we showed the kids an inspiring video of a
true selfless love between a husband and a wife.
We took the kids outside then for a little quizzing on selfless vs. selfish. Why outside? Well....because water balloons were involved! We told the kids that, every time we demonstrate selflessness, God is glorified in us, as it shows the Holy Spirit at work within us. It's a direct slap in Satan's face. We gave the kids a scenario and asked them to end the scene with what they believe should be done. Here are some examples:
- Your little brother or sister is arguing with you over who should sit in the front seat of the car.
- The boy in front of you just tripped and dropped all of his school books in the hallway. You are already running late to your next period class.
- The pastor announces a family in need and that a collection will be taken up at the end of the service for them. You have $15 because you plan on buying an i-tunes gift card with it after church.
- Your dad is working late a lot lately and your mom is real stressed. The house could use to be vacuumed, but it's not your chore and you really want to go outside to play.
- There is only one piece of cake left and both you and your sister/brother want it.
- The kid next door lost his dog and is going around hanging signs up on street posts.
- You and your sister/brother were invited to a birthday party. He or she was so excited about going, but got sick the morning of the party.
- You could sell your old X-Box and earn money towards your new one...or you could give your old one to a family who doesn't have any game system.
- You are waiting in line for the bathroom and notice a little kid behind you who is dancing around and holding himself because he/she has to go so badly.
- You and your friend just got ice cream cones from the ice cream truck and your best friend's ice cream falls off the cone and onto the ground.
When the kids answered selflessly, they were allowed to throw their water balloons at the side of the building, as though they were throwing them at Satan and extinguishing his fiery darts intended to ruin their testimonies. When they answered selfishly, well...let's just say they ended up looking a little foolish and all "washed up".
We ended our night with the greatest example of selflessness we've ever been given.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
And that....is the ultimate slap in Satan's face! Amen!
